English poem
Clever Little Thomas
by Mrs. Turner (1775–1846)
When Thomas Poole First went to school, He was but scarcely seven, Yet knew as well To read and spell As most boys of eleven.
He took his seat, And wrote quite neat, And never idly acted; And then beside He multiplied, Divided, and subtracted.
His master said, And stroked his head, "If thus you persevere, My little friend, You may depend Upon a prize next year."